Liu Haishi, a native of Putai, sought refuge in Binzhou to escape turmoil. At the age of fourteen, he formed an unbreakable bond with Liu Cangkai of Binzhou, and they swore brotherhood. Not long after, Liu Haishi’s parents passed away, and he returned home to mourn, disappearing from contact thereafter.

Liu Cangkai came from a wealthy family. By his late thirties, he had two sons: the eldest, Liu Ji, was seventeen and a renowned scholar in the county town; the younger son was equally intelligent. Liu Cangkai married Miss Ni as a concubine and adored her deeply. Six months later, the elder son died after suffering from severe headaches. The couple was heartbroken. Soon after, his wife also fell ill and died. Several months later, the elder daughter-in-law also passed away, followed by maids and servants, one after another.

Liu Cangkai was consumed by grief. One day, while brooding at home, his attendant announced: Liu Haishi had arrived. Liu Cangkai was overjoyed and rushed out to greet him. Upon meeting, before they could exchange pleasantries, Liu Haishi exclaimed, “Brother suffers from a calamity that could wipe out the household, yet you were unaware?” Liu Cangkai was startled, not understanding. Liu Haishi continued, “It has been long since I inquired; I presumed your recent condition might not be favorable, Big Brother.” Liu Cangkai nodded sorrowfully, briefly recounting the tragic state of his residence. Liu Haishi sighed deeply at the tale, then chuckled, “Though the disaster is not yet quelled and I grieve with you, it is fortunate that you encountered me.” Liu Cangkai asked, “It has been a long time since we met. Has my brother perhaps mastered the ‘Yueren Art’ recently?”

Liu Haishi replied, “This technique is not my specialty. However, I have gained some insight into Yin-Yang Feng Shui.” Liu Cangkai was delighted, saying, “That is excellent! Then I must trouble my worthy brother to examine the Feng Shui of my estate.” He led Liu Haishi through the rooms, inspecting every corner of the house, then commanded his family and servants to gather in the main hall for him to observe them directly.

Liu Haishi pointed out issues one by one. When he arrived at Miss Ni, he looked up to the heavens and laughed uncontrollably. Everyone was filled with doubt and suspicion. They watched as Miss Ni began to tremble violently, her face draining of color, her body shrinking rapidly until she was barely two feet long. Liu Haishi tapped her head with a ruler; the sound was like metal striking stone. He then grabbed her hair to inspect the back of her head, noticing several white strands. As he reached out to pull them, Miss Ni collapsed to her knees, weeping pitifully and begging, “Don't pull them! I will leave immediately.”

Liu Haishi roared in anger, “Vile creature, you still intend to harm others?” He yanked out the white hairs one by one. The woman instantly transformed, shifting into a black li demon. Everyone was horrified. Liu Haishi swept the li demon into his sleeve and looked towards the second daughter-in-law, saying, “You have been deeply poisoned; there is an anomaly on your back. Take off your clothes; I will examine you.” The daughter-in-law shyly refused to comply, but her husband comforted her, “Don’t be afraid, just do as he asks.” They saw a small tuft of white fur on her back, about four fingers long. Liu Haishi picked at the roots with a silver needle one by one, remarking, “This hair is old; if not dealt with in seven days, it cannot be saved.” He then untied the second young master’s outer garment and found a clump of white hair there too, about two fingers long. He stated, “If this is not removed, the young master will surely die within a month.” As he spoke, he swiftly wielded his silver needles, severing all the white hairs on the bodies of the main family and servants. He sighed, “Had I not come, not a single soul among your elders and young would have escaped.”

Liu Cangkai inquired, “What exactly is the origin of this demon?” Liu Haishi explained, “It is also a type of fox spirit, feeding on vital energy and essence; it is most adept at bringing people to their deaths.” Liu Cangkai marveled, “Seeing you after so long, how have you attained such miraculous power! Are you perhaps an immortal?”

Liu Haishi laughed, “These are merely minor tricks taught by my master; hardly the work of an immortal.” Liu Cangkai asked, “Who is your esteemed teacher?” Liu Haishi replied, “The Daoist of Mountain Stone. That li demon just now, I lack the ability to destroy it; I must take it back to my master for disposal.” With that, he rose to take his leave, but suddenly felt his sleeve empty and his expression changed. “Not good, the li demon has escaped. Its tail hairs were not all pulled; it has now vanished.” Everyone present was aghast. Liu Haishi said, “It’s fine. The demon’s neck fur is gone, so it cannot maintain human form; it can only revert to a beast. It shouldn't have gotten far.”

He proceeded to look in the house for a cat, then went out to check the dogs, finding nothing. He then opened the pigsty and smiled, “It’s here.” Liu Cangkai focused his gaze and indeed noticed an extra piglet. Liu Haishi let out a booming laugh. The little pig curled up on the ground, not daring to move. Liu Haishi seized it by the ear and pulled it out. A dense clump of white hair was on its tail, stiff as needles. Just as he was about to pull them, the piglet twisted and squealed mournfully, struggling ceaselessly. Liu Haishi sternly commanded, “You have caused so much wickedness; are you unwilling to let even one hair be removed?” He forcibly pulled the hairs out, and the piglet reverted to its original form, transforming into the black li.

Liu Haishi secured it in his sleeve and turned to depart. Liu Cangkai repeatedly urged him to stay. After sharing a meal, he asked, “When can we meet again?” Liu Haishi replied, “It is hard to say. My master has made a grand vow, often commanding us to wander the mortal realm to universally save sentient beings; perhaps we will meet again.”

After parting, Liu Cangkai pondered his name deeply and suddenly realized, “Haishi has truly become an immortal. ‘Mountain’ and ‘Stone’ combined form the character Yan (). It turns out his master is Lü Dongbin.”